Advocates Disappointed Trump Ignored China Persecution in Xi Meeting

Religious persecution advocates have expressed deep disappointment after U.S. and Chinese leadership met on September 24, without public indication that the ongoing crackdown on Christians in China was raised during the discussions. Todd Nettleton of The Voice of the Martyrs stated to cbn.com that he had hoped the topic would be prioritized alongside other bilateral agenda items.

Todd Nettleton Reacts to White House Discussions

The high-level talks between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed critical subjects including artificial intelligence and trade relationships. However, advocates watching the diplomatic summit noted a glaring omission regarding believers facing imprisonment and surveillance. cbn.com reported that Nettleton responded to the outcome by stating, “I’m disappointed. I had hoped that that topic would come up.” Nettleton emphasized that every opportunity for U.S. leadership to sit down with counterparts from nations where people are locked up for their faith should include religious freedom on the agenda.

Bipartisan Lawmakers Push for the Release of Detained Pastors

While the administration focused on economic and technological matters, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators pressed for direct intervention to secure the release of imprisoned religious figures. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) highlighted the plight of Zion Church, pointing out that eight of its leaders remain behind bars due to state suppression. “To this date, eight leaders of Zion Church remain behind bars in China because of China’s attack on religious freedom,” Budd said, adding that these detainments are egregious and cannot be ignored.

Prior Diplomatic Successes Contrast with Growing Domestic Crackdown

The current frustration stands in contrast to past diplomatic efforts that yielded tangible results. Pastor Ezra Jin, founder of Zion Church, secured his freedom in July following a direct diplomatic push by President Trump during a previous summit in Beijing. Jin acknowledged the impact of that intervention during a post-release interview, stating he was very grateful that President Trump mentioned his case to President Xi. Despite such individual releases, systemic persecution inside China continues to intensify. Churches face police raids, forced closures, and mandatory installation of surveillance cameras in sanctuaries to monitor attendees and sermons.

The Urgent Case of Pastor John Cao and Impending Deadlines

More than 200 church leaders currently remain behind bars in China, including 67-year-old Pastor John Cao. Although Cao completed his seven-year prison sentence, he remains effectively confined within the country without a valid passport, despite holding a U.S. green card and having an American citizen wife. Nettleton noted that Cao is also suffering from late-stage prostate cancer, adding urgency to his situation as prolonged passport processing delays his return to his family in the United States. Advocacy groups continue to urge American Christians to support the community through prayer and by contacting civic leaders to voice their concerns.

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